Rhinovirus disrupts the barrier function of polarized airway epithelial cells.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Secondary bacterial infection following rhinovirus (RV) infection has been recognized in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Objectives

We sought to understand mechanisms by which RV infection facilitates secondary bacterial infection.

Methods

Primary human airway epithelial cells grown at air-liquid interface and human bronchial epithelial (16HBE14o-) cells grown as polarized monolayers were infected apically with RV. Transmigration of bacteria (nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae and others) was assessed by colony counting and transmission electron microscopy. Transepithelial resistance (R(T)) was measured by using a voltmeter. The distribution of zona occludins (ZO)-1 was determined by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting.

Measurements and main re

SUBMITTER: Sajjan U 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2599868 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature